Robert Sciarrino/The Star-LedgerAn Assembly panel has advanced a bill to allow the sale of small quantities of hypodermic needles over the counter in order to decrease the spread of bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

TRENTON — Up to 10 hypodermic needles could be sold at pharmacies over the counter under a bill cleared by an Assembly panel Monday.

The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee approved the measure — A1088 — by a vote of 8-1, with two Republicans abstaining, and sent it to the full Assembly for final passage. The Senate passed the bill 28-12 in February.

The purchase of more than 10 needles would require a prescription.

The measure is intended to provide intravenuous drug users with clean needles in an effort to stem the spread of such blood-borne diseases as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.

Advocates pointed out that New Jersey and Delaware are the only states that do not allow the sale of needles over the counter.

Jay Lassiter, a liberal activist from South Jersey and self-confessed former intravenuous drug user, said he avoided hepatitis only because he had lived in Pennsylvania, where he could buy clean needles.

"I've seen HIV-positive IV drug users in the trenches and it is not pretty," Lassiter said. "If we can't access a clean needle we will improvise, and that usually means using a dirty needle."

Other advocates said the bill would also give diabetes patients easier access to needles.

But John Tomicki, a conservative activist and the only witness before the committee to oppose the legislation, said, "When you look at the experience that occurred in Europe with syringes and needles being readily available, we realized it was down the wrong path."

Lauren Victoria Burke/APAn Assembly panel has advanced a bill to allow the sale of small quantities of hypodermic needles over the counter in order to decrease the spread of bloodborne diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C.

Tomicki also criticized the measure for not providing enough oversight, including requiring pharmacy workers to check the identifications of customers to ensure they're over 18.

Only one Assembly member, Mary Pat Angelini (R-Monmouth), voted against the bill.

"We are sending the wrong message by making it easier to continue dangerous and addictive behavior," Angelini said. "Selling syringes without prescriptions is basically giving up hope that we will ever be able to defeat the grip that drugs have on our society."

Assemblywoman Nancy Munoz (R-Union) voted yes but "with reservations," because she said she had concerns about disposal of the needles.